The inaugural Jockeys Recognition Day will be held at Pakenham on Saturday, 28th August, which is a day designed to reward and recognise those jockeys who have retired, or who have been forced into retirement through injury.

 

The Club and the VJA will honour 14 of these jockeys by jointly naming seven races of the day, with the top weight of each race to wear the National Jockeys Trust silks representing the former jockeys.

 

The feature race of the day will be the Jockeys Recognition Day Plate.

 

A sportsman’s luncheon will also be held on the day with a slew of retired jockeys hosted by racing and media identity Dr Turf.

 

Pakenham Racing Club chief executive Michael Hodge said the day was the Club’s way of showing its gratitude to the stars of the sport.

 

“The whole concept of the day was the brainchild of Committeeman Max Mitchell, who has a big involvement in the industry and is a huge supporter of the jockeys and the contribution they make to the sport,” said Mr Hodge.

 

“So we took the idea to VJA boss Des O’Keefe and it has developed from there.

 

“The theme of the day is to recognise our sporting heroes with each race, but also get them all together in the same room for a great day out at the races.”

 

To celebrate the day, entry to the course will be by gold coin donation to the National Jockeys Trust, which is a trust designed to provide needed funds to jockeys such as those forced into retirement through injury or those who have experienced hardship starting their career as an apprentice.

 

For further information on the Pakenham Jockeys Recognition Day please contact the Club on
(03) 5941 1207 or see www.pakracing.com.au